W

Sustainability Manager

Wickes • United Kingdom • Added on Aug 6, 2026
Apply →

This role acts as the operational engine of the Wickes sustainability team, bridging the gap between high-level strategy and day-to-day environmental management. You will manage the ISO 14001 environmental management system across stores and distribution centers while steering the business toward its Net Zero and Science-Based targets. Beyond technical compliance, you will oversee green claims and lead reporting cycles for frameworks like TCFD.

Joining a major home improvement retailer means your work directly influences the carbon footprint of the UK’s housing stock. By identifying circular economy opportunities and ensuring the integrity of environmental marketing, you help millions of customers make more sustainable choices for their homes. This position offers a rare chance to blend rigorous environmental auditing with high-profile corporate reporting in a fast-paced retail environment.

This suits someone who is a pragmatic environmental professional with a firm grasp of ISO standards and waste management, looking to apply their technical expertise to a large-scale commercial setting.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves maintaining and evolving the ISO 14001-aligned Environmental Management System across diverse sites, including retail stores and distribution hubs. You will lead the transition toward Net Zero by operationalizing science-based targets and managing circular economy projects focused on waste reduction. Additionally, you are responsible for the integrity of the company's sustainability narrative. This includes drafting ESG disclosures for TCFD and CDP, managing external assurance processes, and chairing committees to ensure all marketing meets the Green Claims Code to prevent greenwashing.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain significant exposure to high-level corporate governance by supporting the Responsible Business Committee and Climate Steering Group. This provides a front-row seat to how ESG decisions are made at the executive level in a multi-billion pound PLC. Furthermore, the role offers a deep dive into environmental law and green claims regulation. Navigating the evolving requirements of the CMA Green Claims Code will sharpen your ability to balance commercial marketing needs with rigorous legal and environmental compliance.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings a blend of technical environmental auditing experience and corporate reporting fluency. You should hold an IEMA Associate membership or equivalent and have a proven track record of managing ISO 14001 systems in complex, multi-site organizations like retail or logistics. Strong interpersonal skills are vital, as you must translate complex environmental legislation into actionable steps for non-expert colleagues. Proficiency in reporting frameworks such as GHG Protocol, CDP, and TCFD is essential to manage the year-end reporting cycle successfully.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Focus your application on your ability to deliver operational improvements rather than just theoretical strategy. Wickes is a down-to-earth, pragmatic business; highlighting specific examples where you reduced waste or improved energy efficiency in a physical environment will resonate strongly. Given the focus on the Green Claims Code, demonstrating an understanding of the legal risks of environmental marketing will set you apart. Show that you can be a critical friend to the marketing and legal teams, ensuring transparency while supporting commercial goals.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role is heavily weighted toward operational decarbonization and environmental compliance. You will likely spend significant time on waste stream optimization and energy efficiency projects within the store network to meet Net Zero milestones. There is also a significant transparency and disclosure focus. You will be the architect of the annual sustainability report, ensuring that the company’s progress in areas like nature, circularity, and social impact is accurately reflected to external ESG rating agencies.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

A primary challenge will be driving behavior change across a large, decentralized workforce of over 8,000 colleagues. Ensuring that sustainability protocols are followed consistently in every store requires persistent engagement and clear communication. Additionally, managing the complexity of green claims in a competitive retail market can be difficult. You will need to maintain high standards of integrity and evidence-based reporting even when faced with the pressure to launch sustainable product lines quickly.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

Your morning might start with a site visit or an EHS audit to check the effectiveness of the Environmental Management System, followed by a meeting with the waste management provider to review circularity data. Midday could involve drafting content for the TCFD report or reviewing new website copy for compliance with the Green Claims Code. Afternoons are often dedicated to stakeholder collaboration, such as providing guidance to the sustainability employee network or preparing minutes for the Responsible Business Committee to ensure actions are tracked and executed.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

As this is a 12-month maternity cover, it offers an intensive leadership development opportunity. You will be managing a broad portfolio that covers everything from technical ISO standards to executive-level reporting, which is excellent preparation for a permanent Head of Sustainability role. The role provides high visibility within the Legal and Governance department, offering potential pathways into corporate risk management or specialized ESG consultancy roles following the contract completion.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will work closely with the Director of Corporate Sustainability and the Director of Legal and Governance to align the sustainability strategy with corporate law. The Health and Safety team will be your primary partners for site audits and operational safety. Externally, you will interact with ESG assurance providers, ratings agencies, and waste contractors. Internally, you will act as a consultant for the Marketing and Communications teams to ensure their messaging is robust and compliant.

CSR Jobs newsletter

Never miss the next opportunity

Get a curated selection of new CSR, ESG, and sustainability roles in your inbox. No daily noise, just useful opportunities.

Free to join. Unsubscribe anytime.